Emergency regulations for optometrists prescribing of controlled substances containing opioids are being promulgated as emergency regulations to address the opioid abuse crisis in Virginia. Regulations for the management of acute pain require prescribing a dosage not to exceed seven days and include requirements for the evaluation of the patient and limitations on quantity. Regulations provide requirements for prescribing an opioid beyond seven days to include a re-evaluation of the patient, check of the Prescription Monitoring Program, and specific information in the patient record. Finally, if a TPA-certified optometrist finds an opioid prescription for chronic pain is necessary, he or she is required to refer the patient to a physician or comply with Board of Medicine regulation for managing chronic pain.

Chapters Affected

Only affects this chapter.

Exempt from APA

No, this action is subject to the Administrative Process Act and the standard
executive branch review process.

RIS Project

Yes [005205]

Note

This action is not intended to satisfy the requirement that an entire regulation be reviewed every 4 years.